Students send messages of thanks to fallen soldiers

Around 2,000 wooden crosses bearing messages from school students across the country will be placed on the graves of Australian soldiers around the world.

The Australian War Memorial today packed up the small crosses adorned with the students' messages and a single red poppy, to be transported to what was the Western Front during World War I.

The crosses will be placed on the graves of Australian soldiers during 2013's Anzac Day ceremonies.

Memorial Director Dr Brendan Nelson says today's students are more engaged with history than many adults give them credit for.

"I think in the adult world we can be forgiven for thinking that young people aren't thinking as deeply as we'd like them to," he said.

"But you've only got to go through the messages written on these crosses to realise that the future of this nation is in very good hands.

"All I can say is to the teachers of, and certainly parents of the almost 2,000 school students who've written these messages on these crosses, you can be immensely proud of them, because I certainly am."

Adam - Hartwell Primary SchoolI feel very sad you lost your life and I wonder what you could have been.

Zoe - Campbell High School

There are no words that can describe what you did for us except thank you.

Aiden - Campbell High School

Thank you for all you have done for your country and family. Long dead, never forgotten.

Locke - Scotch College

Thank you for sacrificing yourself for us so that our country would be safe and a better quiet world.

James - Scotch College

Courage, bravery, strength. These are all aspects of soldiers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Sienna - AB Paterson College

Thank you for your courage and bravery. You lost your life for your country. We will never forget: we will always remember.